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Delay to Year 6 SATs Results Our Trust’s primary schools have been informing parents that there will be a delay to our Year 6 children receiving their SATs results this summer. The results were due on Tuesday 7 July 2026. However, Pearson Education Limited, the provider responsible for administering, marking, and returning Key Stage 2 results to schools has informed the Department for Education of a delay affecting the national system used to make results available to schools. The SATs results will now be available on Thursday 16 July 2026. This will result in primary school staff working through the first weeks of the holiday to review outcomes, evaluate potential re-marks, and complete administrational duties. Mark Wilkes, Deputy CEO, said: “We have been told by the Department for Education that the delay is not related to the quality of the tests or the accuracy of pupils’ results. Test papers have been marked in line with usual processes. This will not impact your child’s transition to secondary school and no action is required from parents or pupils. We will share results with you as quickly as possible after we receive them on 16 July. “ [...]

OFSTED Success at Holly Grove We are delighted to report that Holly Grove Primary Academy had a very successful OFSTED visit – reaching the elusive ‘Strong’ categories in Personal Development & Well-Being and Attendance & Behaviour – and then ‘Expected’ across the board. These judgements were not a surprise for school or Trust leaders – on the back of successive years of impressive results, excellent attendance, curriculum awards, extensive community engagement, and a buzzing, daily atmosphere that makes any visit a pleasure. Amongst many highlights in the report, the inspectors identified that: Pupils’ behaviour is calm, purposeful and consistently positive. Pupils demonstrate respectful attitudes towards one another and understand the importance of treating others fairly. Pupils benefit from a wide range of opportunities that support their broader development. These include clubs, leadership roles and experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Pupils develop confidence and are encouraged to take responsibility. Pupils demonstrate maturity when discussing their emotional wellbeing, relationships and sense of belonging. Reading and phonics are clear strengths. Pupils across the school achieve highly in these areas. Teaching is typically clear and well structured. This enables pupils to understand what they are learning and how this builds on prior knowledge. Pupils engage well in lessons and respond positively to questioning. Children in the early years receive a positive start to their education. The early years is well led and highly inclusive. Staff are proud to work here, and rightly so. They feel well supported and listened to by leaders. Staff describe the school as a positive place in which to work. The trust and local governors are knowledgeable and highly supportive of the school. They provide quality training, support and appropriate challenge. Matt Allman, Chief Education Officer, said: “Leaders, staff, children and parents at the school can be hugely proud of the plaudits they received in the visit. Already there is a huge drive in the school to keep their momentum rolling, and families can be wholly confident that if their child signs up at Holly Grove, then then they are already on a pathway to personal success.” The full report can be read here. [...]

Queen’s Croft Students & Staff Learn Life-Saving Skills Queen’s Croft High School students joined students from across the region to develop life-saving skills as part of a training programme. The Stop the Bleed sessions – given by Lichfield District Council’s community safety team, colleagues from partner agencies and the CitizenAID charity – focused on teaching participants how to respond to serious bleeding emergencies, including the use of pressure, dressings, torniquets and trauma kits. Cllr Richard Cox, Lichfield District Council’s cabinet member for community and public protection, said: “This training is an invaluable investment in the safety of our community. “By equipping 580 young people and 50 adults with these essential skills, we are empowering them to potentially save lives. It’s inspiring to see our schools embracing such practical and meaningful education, and I’d like to thank everyone involved in delivering this important programme.” Matt Allman, Chief Education Officer (CEdO), added: “The staff at Queen’s Croft High School have high expectations in their students and go all out to equip them to contribute and thrive in the adult world. This training course is just part of the life skills the school develops in their students and benefits not just the children, but their families and the wider community as well.” [...]

Celebrating David Attenborough’s 100th Birthday Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday was celebrated on Friday 8 May and schools’ across our Trust joined in the celebrations with special assemblies, classes, and projects. The Friary School based one of their Focus Weeks around the event and there was a House Competition on his life and contribution, as well as special assemblies and tutor time activities. Elsewhere, students at Henry Chadwick primary School dressed as animals and undertook related lessons and activities to raise awareness of his work to support endangered species and the wider planet. Also, there was bird-watching and a party lunch with a birthday cake and candles. You can learn more about Sir David Attenborough’s birthday and wider contribution to our world here. Matt Allman, Chief Education Officer, said: “This really was a national event and we wanted our Trust’s children to be part of the celebrations. The work of Sir David reflects the best our country can offer and sets a wonderful example in terms of a lasting commitment and environmental awareness and even on his 100th birthday he remains a role model to children as young as those at pour primary schools. ‘Happy Birthday’ to Sir David from everyone in the Primitas family.” [...]

Queen’s Croft Partnership with Jetts Gym Students from Queen’s Croft High School have been enjoying a six-week fitness programme at Jetts Gym as part of developing their sports and community experience. The students were invited to take part in the scheme at Jetts Gym and the opportunity to use the equipment, take specialist advance and develop their all-round fitness and confidence has proved a wonderful gesture. Callum Huckfield, from Queen’s Croft High School, said: “At Queen’s Croft, we’re committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of all our pupils – and opportunities like this are so important in helping us do that. Regular physical activity brings real benefits, including improved fitness, better mental health and increased confidence. Just as importantly, taking part in a community gym setting gives our pupils valuable life skills and experience that will stay with them as they grow into adulthood, helping them to make healthy, active choices throughout their lives. Matt Allman, Chef Education Officer (CEdO), added: “We are hugely grateful to the staff at Jetts Gym were eager to accommodate the pupils, offering tailored support throughout their fitness journey. It is this sort of local community partnership that our local MAT works to foster and develop. Our students and our staff are all part of our local community, and so projects like this only add to how our city can come together to make life better for one another.” [...]

Managing Children’s Behaviour & Emotions Our Trust Behaviour Lead, Nathan Smith, led a parents’ session at Highfields Primary Academy focusing on ‘Managing Challenging Behaviour – Understanding Emotions in Our Children’. The session built on the ‘ADHD’ parent workshop, run by out Trust SEND Lead, Laura Gray, and provided explanation, theory and practical ideas to supprot parent in facing the challenges that all families deal with at one time or another. The parent feedback was very sportive and include: “The workshop yesterday was really useful and it was helpful to have a reminder and encouragement to use those parenting skills. I learnt a lot from the examples of children’s perspectives and especially liked the comparison of empathy and sympathy.” Matt Allman, Chief Education Officer(CEdO), said: “This session reflects our Trust’s commitment to supporting both our schools and our families in helping their children to thrive. All of us as parents know there are challenges to face, but by sharing ideas and approaches we can make the tougher times more straight-forward and support the children in thriving both at home and at school.” [...]

Last Few Places at Primitas SEND Conference 2026 On Friday 22 May we’re bringing together colleagues from across the region at The Friary School, Lichfield, for a full day focused on what matters most – building schools where every learner with SEND can genuinely thrive. As always, the event is completely free and lunch is included. We’re thrilled to have Dr Pooky Knightsmith back with us, this time exploring how to create neurodivergent-friendly schools and what it really means to make inclusive practice part of everyday life. Alongside her, we’re welcoming Paul Dix, whose work on relational practice and belonging has inspired schools across the world and we’re confident he’ll do the same for us. The day runs from 9:00am to 3:00pm and has been planned so that each session connects and builds on the last. We think you’ll leave with plenty to think about – and plenty to take back to your school. Spaces are limited, so please do secure your place as soon as you can. Click here to book your free place Matt Allman, Primitas Chief Education Officer (CEdO), said: “Last year went superbly well and we are thrilled at the uptake in this second year. The last spaces are available for this free event and we would encourage colleagues to come together to listen to fantastic speakers on the SEND issues that we face in our daily practice.” [...]

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

Lichfield Live - Work to begin on improvements to pedestrian and cycle safety near Lichfield school...
We are delighted that SCC are upgrading the pedestrian and cycling provision around The Friary School on the busy Eastern Avenue...

Work to begin on improvements to pedestrian and cycle safety near Lichfield school - Lichfield Live®

Work on a highways scheme to make it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle near a Lichfield school will start next week.

lichfieldlive.co.uk

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

Lichfield Live - Lichfield student receives England karate call-up...
Huge congratulations to Frankie Carless from The Frioary School for earning a national call up for the Junior and U21 World Karate Championship...

Lichfield student receives England karate call-up - Lichfield Live®

A Lichfield student has been called up to represent England on the international stage.

lichfieldlive.co.uk

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

BBC News - What a week's work experience taught these Year 10s about their futures -
An interesting read as new expectations for secondary schools roll out...

What a week's work experience taught these Year 10s about their futures

Three 15-year-olds tell the BBC how their outlook changed after one week in the world of work.

www.bbc.co.uk

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

Lichfield Live - Honorary doctorate for former Burntwood student...
We were delighted to see our ex-EDA student - England goalkeeper @hannahhampton_ - get this award... Very well deserved - a fantastic role model to all our students...

Honorary doctorate for former Burntwood student - Lichfield Live®

A former Burntwood student has received an honorary doctorate.

lichfieldlive.co.uk

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

BBC News - What to do before results day to get the most out of university clearing...
Big few days for those looking to secure their university places this week - support in our schools to help you get over the line... Good luck to all...

What to do before results day to get the most out of university clearing

From listing your potential outcomes to picking up the phone, this is how to get the most out of clearing.

www.bbc.co.uk

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

Lichfield Live - Cheques handed over to local organisations after year of fundraising by former Mayor and Sheriff of Lichfield...
Congratulations to all involved - especially Councillor Claire Pinder-Smith - a big supporter of our schools / Trust...

Cheques handed over to local organisations after year of fundraising by former Mayor and Sheriff of...

MORE than £6,300 has been handed over by the former Mayor and Sheriff of Lichfield. The money was raised for ...

lichfieldlive.co.uk

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

BBC News - All schools to get pupil attendance targets, government says...
A tough problem hanging on from COVID - especially for more vulnerable groups... Our schools are doing well but there is no room for complacency and always more to do...

All schools to get pupil attendance targets, government says

The BBC understands schools will not be penalised for missing targets, but they will be monitored.

www.bbc.co.uk

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

The Guardian - Primary schools to be told to identify children at risk of future unemployment...
In reality Reception teachers can identify those at risk... The challenge is to solve what is a societal, rather than school issue...

Primary schools to be told to identify children at risk of future unemployment

Exclusive: Neet crisis review to call for teachers to be asked to spot those at risk of leaving education jobless at 16

www.theguardian.com

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

The Guardian - Students face ‘ticking timebomb’ of debt and higher taxes...
Does look like the government is going to have to address this one - especially for more recent loan schemes...

Students face ‘ticking timebomb’ of debt and higher taxes

Exclusive: Analysis finds cost of higher education ‘falls overwhelmingly on the individual’

www.theguardian.com

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

Lichfield Live - Free breakfasts on offer during school holidays as part of new initiative in Burntwood...
Free breakfasts available though the 6-week summer holiday... Don't be afraid to take up this fantastic offer...
https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2026/08/01/free-breakfasts-on-offer-during-school-holidays-as-part-of-new-initiative-in-burntwood

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

Lichfield Live - Youngsters invited to take part in free activities across Lichfield and Burntwood during the school holidays...
Are your children occupied this summer ? Free events on your doorstep...

Youngsters invited to take part in free activities across Lichfield and Burntwood during the school...

Families are being reminded to take advantage of a range of free activities on offer for local youngsters during the summer holidays.

lichfieldlive.co.uk

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

BBC News - Half-price rail travel extended to 18-year-olds...
All parents worth checking this out for those in our Sixth Forms or going off to university this September...

Half-price rail travel extended to 18-year-olds

They'll be able to buy the 16-17 Saver railcard up until the day before they turn 18.

www.bbc.com

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

Lichfield Live - Chasetown hosting summer football camp for girls...
Get your girls active this summer - a great club, great facilities, and a great opportunity...

Chasetown hosting summer football camp for girls - Lichfield Live®

A FOOTBALL camp for girls is taking place in Chasetown. The sessions will take place from 18th to 20th August ...

lichfieldlive.co.uk

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

Lichfield Live - Warning after reports of people swimming in Chasewater...
Worth parents reminding their children to keep safe when they are out-and-about in the summer sun...

Warning after reports of people swimming in Chasewater - Lichfield Live®

Police have issued a fresh warning after reports of people swimming in Chasewater.

lichfieldlive.co.uk

; Primitas Learning Partnership @PrimitasLP

Lichfield Live - Lichfield athlete nominated for Your Heroes Awards...
Shout out to former Primitas student - Libbie Joyce - who is till making international waves...

Lichfield athlete nominated for Your Heroes Awards - Lichfield Live®

A Lichfield athlete has been nominated for two awards.

lichfieldlive.co.uk